Top Teacher

Hauppauge School District is honored to announce that Bretton Woods and Pines Elementary School Teacher Elizabeth Anziano was named the 2016 New York State Art Educator of the Year from Region 10. The Bay Shore resident will receive an award and special recognition at the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA’s) 68th annual conference titled “Tradition & Innovation,” which will be held on November 20, 2016 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, New York.

Reflecting on Anziano’s journey to teaching Art is to understand that her muse is the love of Art History and the joy of sharing this through teaching. When she received her B.F.A. in the History of Art at Ohio State University, Anziano did not imagine sharing her knowledge with future generations. She initially worked with the J. Paul Getty Trust and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She then met Leilani Duke and was introduced to Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE), and subsequently joined the Registrar staff when the New York Historical Society announced the critical inventory of its American Art collection.
Anziano was encouraged to pursue teaching Art while at the Islip Art Museum. She discovered happiness and fulfillment from her passion for Art and Education while earning a M.A. in Teaching at Dowling College. “Art doesn't just imitate life – it IS Life! Helping students discover this was the joy of both,” she described. Her goal is to reveal the DaVinci in every student and to witness their joy in creating. In summer 2016, Anziano painted in Tuscany and visited Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael – bringing them all home for her students.
“After having had the opportunity and pleasure to visit Ms. Anziano's classroom, and watch her interact with students, I am not surprised to learn of her special recognition,” stated Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dennis O’Hara. “She is most deserving, and we are most fortunate to have Ms. Anziano teaching our students.”